Intangible Cultural Heritage

● Intangible cultural heritage means the practices,

representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the
instruments, objects, artifacts and cultural spaces associated
with them that communities, groups and, in some cases,
individuals recognize as a part of their cultural heritage.
● The Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO’s 2003
Convention on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage.
● India is a signatory of the 2003 UNESCO Convention.

Intangible cultural heritage in India

Intangible Cultural Heritage Year

Koodiyattam, Sanskrit theater kerala 2008

Ramlila 2008

Tradition of the Vedic chanting 2008

Ramman 2009

Mudiyettu, ritual theater and dance drama of kerala 2010

Kalbelia folk dance, Rajasthan 2010

Chhau dance, Odisha 2010

Buddhist chanting of Ladakh 2012

Sankirtana, Manipur 2013

Traditional brass and Copper Craft of utensils making 2014

among the Thatheras of Jandiala guru, punjab

Navroz ,Yoga 2016

Kumbh mela 2017

Durga puja in Kolkata 2021

Garba Dance 2023

Koodiyattam
● Kudiyattam is one of the oldest traditional theater forms
practiced in Kerala.
● The word 'kuti' means 'combined' and 'attam' means 'acting', i.e.
"kutiyattam" means "united acting".
● This traditional theater is performed by male artists from the
Chakyar community (a sub-caste of Hindus) and female artists
from the Nangiar community.
● A musical instrument called Mizhavu is used in this.
● In the year 2008, Kutiyattam was included in the Intangible
Heritage List of Humanity by UNESCO.

Ramlila
● In 2008 Ramlila was inscribed on the UNESCO representative
list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Till date a
total of 13 intangible cultural heritages have been inscribed on
the UNESCO's Representative List.

● Ramlila, literally “Rama’s play”, it is performed across northern

India during the festival of Dussehra, held each year according
to the ritual calendar in Autumn.
 ● This staging of the Ramayana is based on the
Ramacharitmanas, one of the most popular storytelling forms
in the north of the country.
● This sacred text devoted to the glory of Rama, the hero of the
Ramayana, was composed by Tulsidas in the sixteenth century.

Tradition of the Vedic chanting

● The recitation of Veda mantras has been included in the
traditions of the Vedas, which are considered to be examples of
the oldest oral tradition.
● The Vedic heritage embraces a multitude of texts and
interpretations collected in four Vedas, commonly referred to
as “books of knowledge” even though they have been
transmitted orally.
● The Rig Veda is an anthology of sacred hymns
● The Sama Veda features musical arrangements of hymns from
the Rig Veda and other sources
● The Yajur Veda abounds in prayers and sacri cial formulae
used by priests
● The Atharva Veda includes incantations and spells.
● In 2008, UNESCO included the tradition of Vedas in the list of
Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Ramman
● Ramman is a traditional drama performed in the Garhwal
region of Uttarakhand.
● It is celebrated by the Hindu community in Chamoli district.
● During this theatrical art, gifts and gifts are presented to the
local deity 'Bhumiyal' by the people of the village.
● In 2009, it was included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List
of Humanity.
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Mudiyettu
● Mudiyettu is the traditional drama art of the state of Kerala.
● It explains the battle between Goddess Kali and a demon
named Darika.
● This play is organized in the temple named Bhagwati Kavus
after the harvest in the months of February and May.
● In 2010, it was included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage
List of Humanity.

Kalbelia folk dance

● This dance is organized by the women of Kalbelia community
of Rajasthan.
● The dress and dance moves in this dance are similar to that of
a 'Snake'.
● In this, a musical instrument is used by snake charmers, which
is called 'Bean'.
● In Kalbelia songs, mythological knowledge is propagated
through stories.
● In 2010, UNESCO included Kalbelia dance in the list of
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Chhau dance
● Chhau dance originated in the forests of Orissa as a tribal
dance in the 18th century, which gained the status of a martial
art based dance in the 19th century.
● This dance is performed with masks due to which it got the
name 'Chhau' or 'Mukhaota'.
● During this dance, themes related to Ramayana, Mahabharata,
traditional folk tales and ctional subjects are displayed.
● Musical instruments like 'Dhol' and 'Marui' are used in this
dance.
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 ● In 2010, UNESCO included Chhau dance in the list of
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

There are mainly three types of Chhau dance

1. Mayurbhanj Chhau- It originated from Mayurbhanj district of
Orissa.
2. Purulia Chhau - Bengal
3. Seraikela Chhau - Jharkhand
Purulia and Seraikela using masks.

Buddhist chanting of Ladakh

● The ancient sacred Buddhist texts are chanted every day by
the monks living in various monasteries and following di erent
sects of Buddhism in the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh in
India.
● The chanting is also meant for peace and prosperity of the
world at large.
● The chanting is a highly orchestrated musical drama.
● It is done either sitting indoors or dancing in the monastic
courtyards or in private houses in the village.
● In 2012, it was included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List
of Humanity.

Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the

Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab
● The craft of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru constitutes the
traditional technique of manufacturing brass and copper
utensils in Punjab.
● The metals used – copper, brass and certain alloys – are
believed to be bene cial for health.
● The process begins with procuring cooled cakes of metal that
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 are attened into thin plates and then hammered into curved
shapes, creating the required small bowls, rimmed plates, to
larger pots for water and milk, huge cooking vessels and other
artifacts.

Sankirtana
● It is a traditional dance form of the northeastern state of
Manipur, which is performed through singing and dhol.
● It showcases religious practices based on the Vaishnava sect,
in which the life and works of Lord Krishna are narrated
through songs and dances.
● In 2013, it was included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List
of Humanity.

Yoga / योग
● In 2016, UNESCO included Yoga in its list of Intangible
Cultural Heritage of humanity UNESCO List of Intangible
Cultural Heritage include those intangible elements that help
demonstrate diversity of cultural heritage and raise awareness
about its importance.
● The philosophy behind the Ancient Indian practice of yoga has
in uenced various aspects of how society in India functions.
● Based on unifying the mind with the body and soul to allow for
greater mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing, the values of
yoga form a major part of the community’s ethos.
● Traditionally, yoga was transmitted using the Guru-Shishya
model (master-pupil) with yoga gurus as the main custodians
of associated knowledge and skills.

Kumbh Mela
● Kumbh Mela is made up of two words 'Kumbh' and 'Mela'.
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 ● The Name Kumbh is derived from the immortal pot of
nectar, which was described by the gods and demons in
the ancient Vedic scriptures.
● The rst written evidence of the Kumbh Mela is
mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana.
● In the year 2017, Kumbh Mela has been included in
UNESCO's representative list 'Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity'.
Types of Kumbh Melas / कंु भ मेल के कार
● Maha Kumbh Mela
● Purna Kumbh Mela
● Ardh Kumbh Mela
● Magh Kumbh Mela

● Maha Kumbh Mela: It is organized only in Prayagraj. It

comes every 144 years or after 12 full Kumbh Melas.
● Purna Kumbh Mela: It comes every 12 years. Mainly 4
Kumbh Melas are held in India at Prayagraj (Ganga
River), Haridwar (Ganga River), Nashik (Godavari) and
Ujjain (Kshipra River).
● Ardh Kumbh Mela: It means, Half Kumbh Mela which is
held every 6 years in India at only two places Haridwar
and Prayagraj.
● Magh Kumbh Mela: It is also known as Mini Kumbh Mela.
It is held annually only in Prayagraj in the month of
Magha as per the Hindu calendar.
Durga Puja
● Durga Puja is celebrated as an annual festival in West Bengal.
● This annual festival is a week-long event in September-October,
where Goddess Durga is worshiped.
● In the months preceding the festival, people make idols of
Goddess Durga by bringing clay from the river Ganges.
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 ● UNESCO saw Durga Puja as the best example of public display
of religion and art and included it in the list of Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2021.

Garba Dance
● Garba is a form of dance, also a religious and social event that
originates in Gujarat, India, and is performed during Navratri.
● This style of dance is based on a circular pattern and is
characterized by a sweeping action performed side to side.
● The performances of Garba also include singing and musical
accompaniment traditionally provided by dhol and similar but
smaller dholak, hand-clapping, and assorted metallic
idiophones, like cymbals
● Garba folk dance has been included under UNESCO's
Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2023.
● l heritage of India to be included in this list.

UNESCO Creative Cities Network

● The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was Formed in
2004 to promote cooperation with cities that have identi ed
creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban
development.
● These cities have to achieve the UN agenda of sustainable
development.
● The network is aimed at leveraging the creative, social, and
economic potential of cultural industries.
● It was launched to promote UNESCO’s goals of cultural
diversity and strengthen resilience to threats such as climate
change, rising inequality, and rapid urbanization.
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The UCCN covers seven creative elds
1. Crafts and folk arts
2. Media arts
3. Film
4. Design
5. Gastronomy
6. Literature
7. Music

Indian Cities in the UCCN List

● Chennai and Varanasi - UNESCO Cities of Music
● Jaipur - UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Arts
● Mumbai - UNESCO City of Film
● Hyderabad - UNESCO City of Gastronomy
● Srinagar - Craft and folk arts
● Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)- UNESCO Cities of Music (2023)
● Kozhikode (Kerala) - UNESCO Cities of literature (2023)
➔ Kozhikode is the rst City of Literature in India.
➔ The North Kerala city of Kozhikode is home to many
prominent personalities of the state’s literary and cultural
world.
➔ The city, where several leading media houses are
headquartered, has hundreds of publishing banners and
several libraries enriching its literary tradition.
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Agra fort
● It is known as “Agra Quila”, located in Agra, uttar pradesh.
● It was designed and built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the
year 1565 A.D.
● Agra Fort has two gates - Delhi Gate and Amar Singh Gate.
● It was tagged as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1983.
● It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal
Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to
Delhi.
● Agra was the capital of India in ancient times. This fort is built
on the banks of Yamuna river.
● This fort was primarily built as a military structure, but Shah
Jahan converted it into a palace, and later it became a prison
for eight years after his son Aurangzeb seized power in 1658.

Ajanta Caves
● Ajanta Caves is located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.
● These caves are famous for their mural paintings. The Ajanta
Caves were constructed between the 2nd to the 6th century.
● Out of the total 29 caves built at Ajanta, at present only 6, i.e.
Cave No. 1, 2, 9, 10, 16, 17 are left. Of these 6 caves, only cave
numbers 16 and 17 belong to the Gupta period.
● These caves depict events from the life of Lord Buddha through
Jataka tales.
● The picture of 'Death Princess' engraved in Ajanta Cave No. 16
is commendable.
● The Ajanta Caves were included in the UNESCO World
Heritage Site list in the year 1983.

Ellora Caves
● The Ellora Caves are 29 km north-west of the city of
Aurangabad in Maharashtra. (18 miles) away.
 ● These caves were built by the Chalukya, Kalachuri and
Rashtrakuta rulers between the 6th and 12th centuries.
● Ellora Caves are a wonderful example of Rock-Cut Architecture
of India.
● The Kailash Temple located in the Ellora Caves is the largest
rock cut monument in the world.
● These caves are related to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
● In 1983, UNESCO granted the status of 'World Heritage Site' to
the Ellora Caves.

The Taj Mahal

● The Taj Mahal is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River
in a vast Mughal garden that encompasses nearly 17 hectares,
in the Agra District in Uttar Pradesh.
● It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his
wife Mumtaz Mahal with construction starting in 1632 AD and
completed in 1648 AD.
● Ustad-Ahmad Lahori was the main architect of the Taj Mahal.
● The Taj Mahal is built in white marble with decorations in the
Pitradura style.
● The Taj Mahal was included in the World Heritage Site by
UNESCO in 1983.

Group of Monuments of Mahabalipuram

● The monuments of Mahabalipuram are located on the
Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal in the Kancheepuram
district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
● The monuments of Mahabalipuram include Dharmaraja
Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Draupadi Ratha,
Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha.
● In ancient times, Mahabalipuram was known as
'Mamallapuram', which was a port city.
 ● Mahabalipuram is known for its coastal temple, Ratha temple
and Olakkaneshwar temple.
● The coastal temples of Mahabalipuram were built during the
reign of Pallava king Rajasimhan II in the 7th century.
● The Olakkanneswara Temple in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu
was built in the 8th century. This temple is dedicated to an
incarnation of Lord Shiva.
● In 1984, UNESCO included the group of monuments of
Mahabalipuram in the World Heritage Site.

Konark temple
● Konark Sun Temple, commonly known as Konark is
13th-century Sun Temple situated in the eastern state of Odisha
(earlier known as Orissa).
● The word 'Konark' is a combination of two words 'Kona' and
'Arka'. 'Kona' means 'Corner' and 'Arka' means 'Sun', so when
combined it becomes 'Sun of the Corner'.
● This temple was constructed by king Narasimhadeva I of
Eastern Ganga Dynasty around 1250 CE.
● It was conceived as a gigantic solar chariot with twelve pairs
of exquisitely-ornamented wheels dragged by seven rearing
horses.
● The temple comprised a sanctum with a lofty (presumably over
68 m. high) sikhara, a jagamohana and a detached
nata-mandira (hall of dance) in the same axis.
● The monument was also called the ‘Black Pagoda’.
● The temple was made in the traditional style of Kalinga
architecture.
● It was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in
1984.
Church of goa
● The Church Group of Goa was included in the UNESCO World
Heritage List in 1986. '
● This includes: Se' Cathedral, Church and Convent of St. Francis
of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus; Church
of Lady of Rosary; Church of St. Augustine.
● Convents and churches in Goa have a great in uence on
Portuguese culture. Their architecture is a combination of
Baroque and Renaissance styles.
● Materials used for construction of these churches are mainly
lime plaster and laterite.
● Majority of paintings of these Churches are carried out on
wooden borders.

Fatehpur Sikri
● The Mughal emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri in the latter
half of the sixteenth century. Previously name of city was
Vijaypur Sikari (Sikarwar Rajput clan)
● It is located near Agra in Uttar Pradesh.
● Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the
Mughal Empire for about ten years.
● After the conquest of Chittor and Ranthambore, Akbar shifted
his capital from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri in honor of the Su
saint Sheikh Salim Chishti who lived in Fatehpur Sikri.
● Fatehpur Sikri was the rst planned city established by the
Mughals.
● Buildings like Jama Masjid, Diwan-e-Khas, Buland Darwaza,
Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Panchmahal, Anoop Talab, Birbal
Niwas etc. are located here.
● Just because of the easy availability of Sandstone in the
neighboring areas of Fatehpur Sikri, red stone is used in all the
buildings made here.
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 ● Fatehpur Sikri was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List
in 1986.

Hampi
● Hampi is a small town located in Hospet taluk of Vijayanagara
district of Karnataka, situated on the banks of Tungabhadra
River.
● It is traditionally known as the Pumpa area of Kishkindha.
● From here the remains of the capital of the last Hindu kingdom
Vijayanagara Empire (14th – 16th century AD) are found.
● In 1986, UNESCO declared the Monuments of Hampi as World
Heritage Sites.

Khajuraho Temple
● The Khajuraho temples located in Madhya Pradesh were built
between 900 and 1130 AD by the rulers of the Chandela
dynasty.
● Khajuraho Temple is located in the Vindhya Range of Central
India.
● These temples are famous for their Nagara architectural style
and erotic sculptures.
● The temples of Khajuraho have been built with granite
foundations and sandstone.
● The temples here are related to Vaishnava, Shaivism and
Jainism.
● Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple and
Vishnu Temple are the famous temples here.
● The most famous temple here is 'Kandariya Mahadev Temple',
which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
● There is also a 'Vishnu Temple', which is now known as
'Lakshman Mandir'. It was built by Yashovarman.
 ● The temples of Khajuraho were given the status of 'World
Heritage Site' by UNESCO in 1986.

Elephanta Caves
● The Elephanta Caves, also known as 'Gharapurichi Leni' in the
local language, are a group of sculptured caves located on
Elephanta Island (Mumbai) in Maharashtra.
● The island is located along the Arabian Sea with two groups of
caves:
1) There is a large group of ve Hindu caves,
2) There is a small group of two Buddhist caves.
● In Elephanta Caves, Lord Shiva is also shown in the form of
Yoga Rishi.
● In 1987, Elephanta Caves was designated by UNESCO as a
World Heritage Site.

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal

● The state of Karnataka is famous for the 'Vesara style' temples
built by the Chalukya rulers of Badami during the 7th and 8th
centuries.
● Among the 10 major temples constructed here, there are nine
Shiva temples and one Jain temple, with the "Virupaksha
Temple" being the most renowned.
● The Virupaksha Temple was built by Queen Lokamahadevi to
commemorate the victory of her husband on the Kanchi
Pallavas.
● The Pattadakal Group of Monuments was recognized as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
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Great Living Chola Temples
● The Great Living Chola Temples were built by kings of the Chola
Empire.
● In 1987, Great Living Chola Temples was designated by
UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The site includes three great 11th- and 12th-century Temples

● The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur ( the construction of
this temple was inaugurated by the Chola King, Rajaraja I)
● The Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram (built by
Rajendra I, was completed in 1035.)
● The Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram (built by Rajaraja
II).

Sanchi Stupa
● It is a hot spot for Buddhist places in India.
● It is situated at Sanchi in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.
● The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in
India and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka,
the Great in the 3rd century BCE.
● Sanchi stupa was discovered in 1818 after being abandoned
for 600 years. It was discovered in 1818 by General Taylor.
● Sanchi was included in the list of World Heritage Sites by
UNESCO in 1989.
सांची को 1989 म यनू े को ने व रासत थल क सच ू ी म शा ल या था।

Qutub Minar
● The construction of Qutub Minar was started by Qutubuddin
Aibak (1206-1210) in 1193 and completed by Iltutmish
(1211-1236).
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 ● It is a ve storey tower, which is constructed from red
sandstone.
● Its height is 72.5 meters.
● Qutub Minar was named after the famous Muslim saint Khwaja
Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.
● Qutub Minar was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
1993.

Humayun's Tomb
● Humayun's Tomb is a signi cant historical monument in Delhi,
India, built during the Mughal era.
● It was constructed in 1570 by Bega Begum, the widow of the
second Mughal Emperor, Humayun.

● The tomb is a prime example of Mughal architecture,

characterized by a harmonious blend of Persian, Central Asian,
and Indian styles.
● The use of red sandstone and white marble is a distinctive
feature of Mughal architecture, visible in Humayun's Tomb.
● Red sandstone was primarily used for the construction of the
main structure.
● Humayun's Tomb is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal, as
it set the architectural template for later Mughal mausoleums.
● In 1993, Humayun's Tomb was given the status of a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Mahabodhi Temple
● Mahabodhi Temple is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
● The complex of this temple is one of the four sacred sites
(Lumbini, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar) related to
the life of Lord Gautam Buddha.
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 ● The 160 feet high (according to Hiuen Tsang) brick-built
Mahabodhi Temple was constructed between 1st and 2nd
century AD.
● In 2002, this temple was given the status of a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Red Fort Complex (Delhi)

● In 1638, Mughal Emperor Shahjahan transferred his capital
from Agra to Delhi and laid the foundations of Shahjahanabad,
the seventh city of Delhi.
● Red fort has fourteen gates, Lahori gate is its main gate.
● Its construction started in 1638 AD.
● It was tagged a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2007.

Bhimbetka Caves
● Bhimbetka is in Raisen district (located at the foothills of the
Vindhya ranges) of Madhya Pradesh.
● The site is known for its prehistoric rock shelters.
● Eminent archaeologist Dr. V.S. Wakankar discovered these
caves in 1958.
● The word 'Bhimbetka' is derived from 'Bhim Batika'.
● These caves are named after 'Bhima', one of the ve Pandavas
of Mahabharata. Bhimbetka means the seat of Bhima.
● There are more than 600 caves in the caves of Bhimbetka.
● These caves depict images related to various community
activities such as birth, cremation, dance, religious rites,
hunting scenes, animal warfare.
● These paintings usually use natural red and white colors.
● The Bhimbetka caves were declared a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in the year 2003.
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Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
● Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, is located in Panchmahal district in
Gujarat, India.
● It is located around the historical city of Champaner, a
city which was built by Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat.
● The Pavagadh hill composed of reddish-yellow coloured
stone formation is one of the oldest rock formations in
India.
● Pavagadh hill was a famous Hindu fortress under the
Solanki kings of Gujarat followed by Khichi Chauhans.
● Sultan Mahmud Begarah took possession of this fort in
1484 and renamed it as Muhammadabad.
● Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park was declared a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

● The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as
Victoria Terminus Station, in Mumbai.
● It is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival
architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from
Indian traditional architecture.
● The building, designed by the British architect F. W.
Stevens, became the symbol of Bombay as the ‘Gothic
City’ and the major international mercantile port of India.
● The terminal was built over 10 years, starting in 1878,
according to a High Victorian Gothic design based on late
medieval Italian models.
● It was the rst terminus station in the subcontinent.
● Its remarkable stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and
eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian
palace architecture.
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 ● It is an outstanding example of the meeting of two
cultures, as British architects worked with Indian
craftsmen to include Indian architectural tradition and
idioms thus forging a new style unique to Bombay.
● The entrance gate of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
(formerly Victoria Terminus) has two pillars, one crowned
with a lion (representing the United Kingdom) and the
other with a tiger (representing India) and peacocks with
tympana.
● Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was declared a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 2004.

Jantar-Mantar
● The Jantar-Mantar complex, built by Sawai Jai Singh II, is
considered a huge wonder, which was declared a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 2010.
● The word 'jantar' means instrument/means and 'mantar' means
calculation. Thus Jantar-Mantar means 'calculating instrument
or instrument'.
● The Jantar Mantar monument of Jaipur is a compilation of
nineteen architectural astronomical instruments. The main
purpose of this observatory was to compile astronomical tables
and to predict the time and movements of the Sun, Earth and
planets.
● Sawai Jai Singh had a keen interest in astrology and traditional
Vedic science.
● Apart from Jaipur, Jantar Mantar (observatory) was also built
in Ujjain, Varanasi, Mathura and Delhi.
Six hill forts of Rajasthan
● UNESCO has included six forts, including the grand and
beautiful Jaisalmer and Chittorgarh forts, built on the Aravalli
hills of Rajasthan, in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the
year 2013.

Chittorgarh Fort

● This fort is situated in the Chittorgarh district on the banks of

the Berach river valley.
● It is called 'Pride of Rajasthan'.
● It is believed that this fort was built by the Maurya ruler
Chitrangada Mori.
● Chittorgarh was the former capital of the Sisodia dynasty of
Mewar.
● There are 65 historically built structures in the premises of this
fort, which include Kirti Stambh, Vijay Stambh, Padmini Mahal
and Rana Kumbha Mahal etc.

Kumbhalgarh Fort
● Kumbhalgarh is located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan.
● Its construction took place with the help of Rana Kumbha
between AD 1443 and 1458 by famous architect Mandan.
● The great Maharana pratap was born in this fort.
● Some prominent buildings inside this fort are Kumbha Palace,
Brahmanical Badal Mahal,Jain Temples, water reservoirs,
chhatris etc.
Ranthambore Fort
● The Ranthambore Fort, which is included in the list of UNESCO
World Heritage, was built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th
century.
● The Chauhan kings fought many battles from this fort. But in
1569 this fort was captured by Akbar.
● There are also many ponds around this fort. These ponds are
known by di erent names. Padma Talab, Rajabagh Ka Talab,
Malik Talab etc.

Jaisalmer Fort
● Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forti cations in the world.
● It was constructed by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal in 1156.

Amber (Amer) Fort

● Amber Fort is located in Amer in Jaipur district of Rajasthan.
● Amber Fort was built by Raja Man Singh I in 1592.
● This fort is very famous for its artistic style.

Gagron Fort
● The Gagron Fort was built by King Bijaldev in the twelfth
century.
● This fort is Located in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan.
● It is the only fort in northern India which is surrounded by
water from all sides, hence it is also called as Jaldurga.

Mountain Railways of India

● In 1999, Mountain Railway of India, consisting of three
railways: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri
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 Mountain Railway, and the Kalka–Shimla Railway, are
designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
● the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway located in the foothills of the
Himalayas in West Bengal (Northeast India). It was built by
Franklin Prestage and operated by Northeast Frontier Railway.
This railway line is based on the zig-zag and loop-line that runs
between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal.
● The Nilgiri Mountain Railways located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil
Nadu (South India), which was built by the British in 1908. It
was initially operated by the Madras (Now Chennai) railway. In
July 2005, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site. It is
owned by the Southern Railway Zone
● The Kalka Shimla Railway is located in the Himalayan foothills
of Himachal Pradesh (Northwest India). It was built by HS
Harington and operated by Northern Railway.
Sanchi Stupa
● It is a hot spot for Buddhist places in India.
● It is situated at Sanchi in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.
● The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in
India and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka,
the Great in the 3rd century BCE.
● Sanchi stupa was discovered in 1818 after being abandoned
for 600 years. It was discovered in 1818 by General Taylor.
● Sanchi was included in the list of World Heritage Sites by
UNESCO in 1989.
सांची को 1989 म यनू े को ने व रासत थल क सच ू ी म शा ल या था।

Qutub Minar
● The construction of Qutub Minar was started by Qutubuddin
Aibak (1206-1210) in 1193 and completed by Iltutmish
(1211-1236).
● It is a ve storey tower, which is constructed from red
sandstone.
● Its height is 72.5 meters.
● Qutub Minar was named after the famous Muslim saint Khwaja
Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.
● Qutub Minar was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
1993.

Humayun's Tomb
● Humayun's Tomb is a signi cant historical monument in Delhi,
India, built during the Mughal era.
● It was constructed in 1570 by Bega Begum, the widow of the
second Mughal Emperor, Humayun.
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 ● The tomb is a prime example of Mughal architecture,
characterized by a harmonious blend of Persian, Central Asian,
and Indian styles.
● The use of red sandstone and white marble is a distinctive
feature of Mughal architecture, visible in Humayun's Tomb.
● Red sandstone was primarily used for the construction of the
main structure.
● Humayun's Tomb is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal, as
it set the architectural template for later Mughal mausoleums.
● In 1993, Humayun's Tomb was given the status of a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Mahabodhi Temple
● Mahabodhi Temple is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
● The complex of this temple is one of the four sacred sites
(Lumbini, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar) related to
the life of Lord Gautam Buddha.
● The 160 feet high (according to Hiuen Tsang) brick-built
Mahabodhi Temple was constructed between 1st and 2nd
century AD.
● In 2002, this temple was given the status of a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Red Fort Complex (Delhi)

● In 1638, Mughal Emperor Shahjahan transferred his capital
from Agra to Delhi and laid the foundations of Shahjahanabad,
the seventh city of Delhi.
● Red fort has fourteen gates, Lahori gate is its main gate.
● Its construction started in 1638 AD.
● It was tagged a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2007.
Bhimbetka Caves
● Bhimbetka is in Raisen district (located at the foothills of the
Vindhya ranges) of Madhya Pradesh.
● The site is known for its prehistoric rock shelters.
● Eminent archaeologist Dr. V.S. Wakankar discovered these
caves in 1958.
● The word 'Bhimbetka' is derived from 'Bhim Batika'.
● These caves are named after 'Bhima', one of the ve Pandavas
of Mahabharata. Bhimbetka means the seat of Bhima.
● There are more than 600 caves in the caves of Bhimbetka.
● These caves depict images related to various community
activities such as birth, cremation, dance, religious rites,
hunting scenes, animal warfare.
● These paintings usually use natural red and white colors.
● The Bhimbetka caves were declared a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in the year 2003.

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

● Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, is located in Panchmahal district in
Gujarat, India.
● It is located around the historical city of Champaner, a
city which was built by Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat.
● The Pavagadh hill composed of reddish-yellow coloured
stone formation is one of the oldest rock formations in
India.
● Pavagadh hill was a famous Hindu fortress under the
Solanki kings of Gujarat followed by Khichi Chauhans.
● Sultan Mahmud Begarah took possession of this fort in
1484 and renamed it as Muhammadabad.
● Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park was declared a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
● The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as
Victoria Terminus Station, in Mumbai.
● It is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival
architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from
Indian traditional architecture.
● The building, designed by the British architect F. W.
Stevens, became the symbol of Bombay as the ‘Gothic
City’ and the major international mercantile port of India.
● The terminal was built over 10 years, starting in 1878,
according to a High Victorian Gothic design based on late
medieval Italian models.
● It was the rst terminus station in the subcontinent.
● Its remarkable stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and
eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian
palace architecture.
● It is an outstanding example of the meeting of two
cultures, as British architects worked with Indian
craftsmen to include Indian architectural tradition and
idioms thus forging a new style unique to Bombay.
● The entrance gate of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
(formerly Victoria Terminus) has two pillars, one crowned
with a lion (representing the United Kingdom) and the
other with a tiger (representing India) and peacocks with
tympana.
● Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was declared a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 2004.

Jantar-Mantar
● The Jantar-Mantar complex, built by Sawai Jai Singh II, is
considered a huge wonder, which was declared a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 2010.
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 ● The word 'jantar' means instrument/means and 'mantar' means
calculation. Thus Jantar-Mantar means 'calculating instrument
or instrument'.
● The Jantar Mantar monument of Jaipur is a compilation of
nineteen architectural astronomical instruments. The main
purpose of this observatory was to compile astronomical tables
and to predict the time and movements of the Sun, Earth and
planets.
● Sawai Jai Singh had a keen interest in astrology and traditional
Vedic science.
● Apart from Jaipur, Jantar Mantar (observatory) was also built
in Ujjain, Varanasi, Mathura and Delhi.

Six hill forts of Rajasthan

● UNESCO has included six forts, including the grand and
beautiful Jaisalmer and Chittorgarh forts, built on the Aravalli
hills of Rajasthan, in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the
year 2013.

Chittorgarh Fort

● This fort is situated in the Chittorgarh district on the banks of

the Berach river valley.
● It is called 'Pride of Rajasthan'.
● It is believed that this fort was built by the Maurya ruler
Chitrangada Mori.
● Chittorgarh was the former capital of the Sisodia dynasty of
Mewar.
● There are 65 historically built structures in the premises of this
fort, which include Kirti Stambh, Vijay Stambh, Padmini Mahal
and Rana Kumbha Mahal etc.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
● Kumbhalgarh is located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan.
● Its construction took place with the help of Rana Kumbha
between AD 1443 and 1458 by famous architect Mandan.
● The great Maharana pratap was born in this fort.
● Some prominent buildings inside this fort are Kumbha Palace,
Brahmanical Badal Mahal,Jain Temples, water reservoirs,
chhatris etc.

Ranthambore Fort
● The Ranthambore Fort, which is included in the list of UNESCO
World Heritage, was built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th
century.
● The Chauhan kings fought many battles from this fort. But in
1569 this fort was captured by Akbar.
● There are also many ponds around this fort. These ponds are
known by di erent names. Padma Talab, Rajabagh Ka Talab,
Malik Talab etc.

Jaisalmer Fort
● Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forti cations in the world.
● It was constructed by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal in 1156.

Amber (Amer) Fort

● Amber Fort is located in Amer in Jaipur district of Rajasthan.
● Amber Fort was built by Raja Man Singh I in 1592.
● This fort is very famous for its artistic style.
ff
fi
Gagron Fort
● The Gagron Fort was built by King Bijaldev in the twelfth
century.
● This fort is Located in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan.
● It is the only fort in northern India which is surrounded by
water from all sides, hence it is also called as Jaldurga.

Mountain Railways of India

● In 1999, Mountain Railway of India, consisting of three
railways: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri
Mountain Railway, and the Kalka–Shimla Railway, are
designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
● the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway located in the foothills of the
Himalayas in West Bengal (Northeast India). It was built by
Franklin Prestage and operated by Northeast Frontier Railway.
This railway line is based on the zig-zag and loop-line that runs
between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal.
● The Nilgiri Mountain Railways located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil
Nadu (South India), which was built by the British in 1908. It
was initially operated by the Madras (Now Chennai) railway. In
July 2005, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site. It is
owned by the Southern Railway Zone
● The Kalka Shimla Railway is located in the Himalayan foothills
of Himachal Pradesh (Northwest India). It was built by HS
Harington and operated by Northern Railway.